Impossible to be Well
It is impossible to be well, simply impossible, if the
bowels are constipated. You must pay attention to the
laws of nature, or suffer the consequences. Undigested
material, waste products, poisonous substances, must be
removed from the body at least once each day, or there
will be trouble. A sluggish liver is responsible for an
immense amount of suffering and serious disease. Ask
your doctor about Ayer's Pills. He knows why they act
directly on the liver. Trust him. rCverToTt.nweU. M-
EARLY METHODISM IN WELDON. I
n
&
n
m
n
PAPER PREPARED BY MRS.
AT THE M. E. CHURCH SUNDAY NIGHT. 5
....
n mm aawj
MRS. IDA T. W ILKINS.
f lf HERE is no record of Mcth
3 odism in this community
-A in the years that are past
and there are few living who know
anything of its history. Sixty years
ago there was only one Baptist
church in a radius of twenty miles
and not one of any other denomi
nation except Methodist in the
county, except, perhaps, some at or
near Scotland Neck. The Kehu
kee or Hardshell Baptists had a
strong following in the lower part
of Halifax county, but there were
none or at least no church organi
zation of any kind in this section.
It is said that no history has been
preserved of the pioneers of the
Cross who came as circuit riders
travelling over miles of rough
roads and under many hardships
to this section to sow the seeds of
the Gospel of Christ. Several
years ago Dr. John E. Edwards,
of the Virginia Conference, gave
through the North Carolina Chris
tian Advocate some very interest
ing reminiscences of his early min
istry. In these he stated that his
first charge was Roanoke circuit.
That his home was in Warrenton,
and that the circuit covered all of
Halifax and most of Warren coun
ties. Theses reminiscences would
be interesting reading today bui
alas! they are not at hand, and so
with all w ho were living at the
time or could tell of the events as
they occurred. They have passed
away leaving no re :ord of people
or events. It is omy of late years
that any interest has been taken in
such things and even our Confer
ence Journal fails to record many
names anions the ministry w hich
were familiar to my childhood
ears. The Secretary admits ih
and calls on the public for informa
tion and corrections in his list of
our honored dead.
Since this is true anything bear
ing on the subject will not be out
of place at this time.
In these early years Methodism
took a high stand in this commu
nity. Every man of influence,
who was a Christian at all, belong
ed to this Church and it was the
custom whenever a church was es
tablished to leave one of these men
as class leader or under shepherd
of the flock, w hich it was impossi
ble the preacher in charge should
guard.
The church at New Hope is
perhaps the oldest church in this
community. We know really
nothing of its early history, except
that it was built as a result of camp
meetings held at "Old Piney Grove
Church," which was somewhere
in that vicinity. Here Mr. Edward
Morecock, a gentleman of high
Christian character, a soldier of
1812, and a man of great influ
ence in the community, was class
leader or superintendent. He was
ably assisted in his litigious work
by Mis. Andrew Joyner, a daugh
ter of Willie Jones, of Halifax, and
widow before her marriage to Col.
Joyner, of Hutchings Burton, at
one time Governor of North Car
olina. Col. Joyner was a man of
great influence, was president of
the Seaboard railroad. For years
a member of the Senate of North
Carolina, he was promoter of the
bill to establish in North Carolina
a home for the Deaf, Dumb and
Blind of the State. He was also
president of the Roanoke Naviga
tion Co. when they opened the
canal, which is now the source of
such wonderful power.
His wife, a lady of culture, re
finement and wealth, was a verita-
ble lady bountiful, visiting the sick,
praying with them and ministering
both to soul and body. Rev. U.
O. Burton," then of the Virginia
1. T. W1LK1NS AND READ j&
Conference, married a daughter
of Col. Andrew Joyner and as a
pioneer of Methodism found strong
allies in both Mr. Morecock and
Mrs. Joyner. The church in Veldon
was organized in lS4t with seven
members. These were Captain
James Simmons, Mr. T. HAVvatt,
Mrs. V. T. Whitfield, Mrs. Mary
Allen, and three others, names un
known. The name of the preach
er in charge is also unknown, but
was mail probability R. O. liurton.
Capt. Simmons was then sheriff
of the county, a man of such high
integrity that he was elected con
tinuously as long as he would keep
the olhce and was much beloved
by every one. He was appointed
class leader of the infant church
and served it long and well. The
church was included in "Roanoke
circuit" and the little building on
tlie banks ot the canal was soon
erected for them to hold their ser
vices. This was a small wooden
building, roughly built and rudely
furnished, but it was the only
church built in Weldon until along
in the seventies w hen this building
was erected m us stead.
My first recollection of the work
of the Methodist preachers dates
back to about the year 1851 when
Rev. Jos. H. Martin was sent to
this charge and soon won the love
of the people by going from place
to place throughout the circuit and
holding cottage prayer meetings in
different homes and planting seed
which brought an abundant har
vest of good.
Rev. Robert J. Carson was Pre
siding Elder about this time and
he had supervision of a very large
territory. His home was in Mar
tin county. There were few rail
roads, so he would go from place
to place in his private carriage,
stopping in the homes of the peo
ple while on these rounds. He
was a near relative of Mrs. VC'. H.
Day, of Twilight, near Weldon,
and would frequently visit her
home. He was noted for his
piety, warm hearted Christian
character and was greatly beloved
wherever known.
There were other men, one
named Doggett, who brought a
fair bride to the work and lived in
Weldon w hile in charge of this
circuit, whose names are not un
our church register.
At the Conference held in Wil
mington in 1S55 P.ishop Andrew
presiding, Rev. John M. Andrews
was sent to Roanoke circuit with
Rev. M. J. Hunt as assistant.
These were both holy men billed
with zeal and religious fervor, their
only mission to preach the (iospel
and win souls for Christ. In the
w inter of IS55-H they held a revi
val in Weldon w Inch w as far reach
ing in its results. Many were con
erted, the whole town aroused
md hardened sinners impressed
is never before.
It was said that some young men
)f dissipated habits, while the meet
ing was in progress, met in their
room at the hotel for tne purpose
'if playing cards or gambling, as
was the frequent custom of the
day. One of the most reckless of
the party proposed that they have
a prayer meeting in mockery of
:he services then being held at the
church. They all agreed and be
gun to sing and pray imitating the
preachers in word, tone and ges
ture. Before they closed they
were so much impressed w ith their
own wickedness that they went to
church, the ringleaders were con
verted and one of them became a
minister of the (iospel.
In August of 1856 these preach
ers held a camp meetingat Pierce's
church at which over one hundred
people were converted. Great
preparation was made foi the meet
ing. A large pavilion for preach
ing was built in the grove at the
back of the church in the middle
of a hollow square formed by
wooden tents or houses built con
nectedly on three sides. Some of
these tents had four and five rooms,
with straw for floors, and frame
work of wood on which beds
were placed so that many could
Ieep in the same room. The kitch
ens and dining rooms were under
shelters outside and hospitality was
dispensed with la lavish hand I
remember one service at which
there were fifteen preachers pres
ent. Some of them shining lights
of the Virginia and North Caroli
na Conference, coming from Pe
tersburg and other places at a dis
tance, and great crowds flocked in
to every service. Several people
from Weldon owned and occupied
these tents which were filled to
overflowing with their families and
friends. The others were built
and occupied by the farmers of the
community. This church had been
partly built by Mr. Rice D. Pierce
and w as nurtured by his family for
years. There were also many
other fine families living in the
neighborhood. This camp meet
ing was a historical event in that it
changed the lives and characters
of so many men. Among others
Mr. W. T. Whitfield was convert
ed at this meeting, became a mem
ber of the Weldon church and his
life ever after was consistent and
true. For years his house was
the preacher's home, no matter
who he might be.
Bro. Hunt was renowned for
his piety, but Bro. Andrews was
beloved all over the lare circuit
and attracted large congregations
when and wherever he preached.
I remember on one occasion,
after he had gone to another work,
he made an appointment to preach
in Weldon in the little church. His
old friends were delighted, crow ds
came in from the country and
many people could not get in the
church. To relieve the situation
he stood by an open window and
so reached the crowd of hearers.
His text was from Hcclesiastes
11-9, "Rejoice, oh young man in
the days of thy youth and let thy
young heart cheer thee. But know
thou that for all these things God
will bring you into judgment."
The sermon was powerful and the
effect electrical.
I jifx.
V' Wit?'
REV. R. O. Bl'RTON, D. D.
Rev. R. 0. Burton was at the
time of this camp meeting in the
prime of his life, w as perhaps Pre
siding Elder and much interested
in the success of the work. He
was easily in the foremost ranks of
his brethren and a commanding
personality wherever he was
placed. Proud of the Gospel of
Methodism he bore its banners in
triumph w herever he went. To
his work and preaching w as due
to a great extent the great success
of the meeting. Indeed the Meth
odists of Weldon and Roanoke cir
cuit, as it was, owe to him a debt
of gratitude that can never be paid,
and a history of Methodism in
Weldon could not be written and
R. O. Burton left out. He gave
them his ministerial services in
every capacity, generally without
hope or expectation of reward.
He baptized their babies, married
the young, buried the dead, and
kept the Gospel fires burning in
many a Methodist home in the
dark days of the war which soon
followed, and those almost as dark
after its close.
In the year 1864, Rev. T. B.
Kingsbury was preacher in charge
and held a big revival at our little
church. Dr. Burton did the
preaching in the week, going to
his w ork as Presiding Elder in
time for the regular services on
Sunday He loved Methodism
and he loved the church in Weldon
and the Church loved him in re
turn. ; -
REV. J. M.
Through his influence weenioy
ed many rare privileges, one of
these was to have Bishop John
Larly preach for us in November
1856 w hile on his way to Confer
ence in Greensboro. He attracted
a large crowd, as he was the first
bishop ever heard in Weldon.
Another was an opportunity to
hear Bishop George V. Pierce in
the follow ing ye.ir. He was a man
of such reputation that it was
thought the little church would not
hold the people, so arrangements
were made for him to preach in
the old hotel dining room. This
he did r"fnr; gn immer.SC 3Udi-
ence of charmed listeners.
In the year IH55 there came to
Weldon Mrs. Cornelia Kickers for
the purpose of conducting a pay
school. No other building being
available she opened school in the
little Methodist church. She was
a fine teacher, a member of the
Presbyterian church in Philadel
phia, but seeing the need she
opened also a Methodist Sunday
school, the first ever taught in
Weldon. All who possibly could,
from town and country, came to see
what this new thing was. There
was no man living here who would
take the lead so she was her own
superintendent, opening with
Scripture lesson, singing and pray
ing, in all of which she herself lead.
Her work in Weldon was fine and
she met, as she deserved, very
much success. It was my privil
ege to attend both these schools.
There are only three other persons
living in Weldon who did.
And now comes a period of re
construction and revolution in
L P . .. '
' ' '' 'L ' s
i 1
affairs, both temporal and spiritual.
With many things to regret the
Methodists of Weldon at the close
of the war found themselves poor,
disorganized and almost without
taith or hope. W ith the .. ingre-
gation small and demoralized, tlie
church badly out of repair, having
been used for a hospital, the loca-:
tion undesirable, a few faithful ;
women undertook to buy a lot and :
build a new church. They finally
secured the present church lot and ;
began to plan and work for the
erection of the building.
About this time R. O. Burton
was sent again to this w ork. He
sold the old church building, as I
have been told, for two car loads
of lumber to be placed on the new .
lot. The women worked and he j
worked and planned and the :
church was built.
I am afraid some may think I )
am giving undue credit to R. O.
Burton in this paper, but this is j
not my purpose. 1 am stating facts j
which stand for themselves. j
The cornerstone was laid in j
1 873 by the members of the Grand j
Lodge of Masons. Dr. Burton i
made the address. Money was j
scarce and hard to get. The con
gregation small and poor and it
was a long time before it was occu
pied. It was so long after the
church was framed before it was
covered in, part of the frame blew
down in a storm. After the little
church was sold the congregation .
worshipped in the old Literary
Hall. This was in bad repair, no
janitor, no lights, except candles
fastened to wooden frames fixed at
intervals to the walls and these '
olten not on hand. 1 heard Dr. j
Burton preach there one night j
from the text, "I w ill remove your
candlesticks," when every candle I
burnt down and flickered out, ;
leaving only the firelight from an ;
open wood stove and one small 1
hand lamp carried by a lady of the
congregation. This incident was
typical of the times and circum
stances. The first service was held in the ;
new church in April 1875 by Dr. j
Wm. E. Closs, the P. E. At this
time there were no seats, no pul
pit, no altar railing, no organ, and
the people had no money. Dr. ;
Burton had zeal and energy, how-
ever, and he borrowed chairs as '
many as possible and finished out ;
with pieces of timber laid on blocks i
tor seats. By constant effort he !
succeeded in getting a pulpit, an ;
organ and seats by the 12th of
Eeb. 187lwhen the church was;
dedicated by Dr. Charles I-'. Deems,
of New York.
It required a long and desperate
struggle to build the church and
when it w as to be dedicated there
was a debt of five hundred dollars ,
w hich was raised by subscription .
that day. Much of this was not j
paid and there were still many 1
things needed which made matters 1
more distressing to the congrega
tion. At the end of the year Dr.
Burton was made P. E. of the
Raleigh district and Rev. Joseph
Wheeler w as sent to this circuit. He
onlv preached twice, one Sumfav
' in each month, was not popular !
I with the people and Zion Ian-,
guished. Dr. Burton would often i
rsi-irfT:..:-it -it.v?
If .'v'fi1'.'' v '"i
RHODES.
preach for us in passing to and
from his work but the church
needed a pastor's care.
In the latter part of Oct. 1877
I Rev Chas. Cook, a local preacher
trom arrenton, began his famous
revival which lasted six weeks.
This meeting was peculiar in the
manifestation of spiritual power
with very little eloquence or orato
ry in the preaching. The results
were fine and the church was
strengthened and encouraged.
There were twelve grown ladies
and men confirmed in the Kpisco
pal church who were converted at
this meeting and they, with many
who joined our church, were
among our most prominent citi
zens. While the meeting was in pro
gress Bro. Wheeler was removed
and Rev. R. A. Raven was sent
to this charge.
In December 1879 Rev. J. M.
Rhodes was sent to Weldon and
Halifax, which were counted as a
station. Here he soon put his
fine qualities of leadership into ef
fect. Reorganized, painted and
repaired the church, paid all out
standing debts, bought the bell and
placed the church on a firmer
foundation than it had ever before
enjoyed from a financial stand
point. It would not be right to close
this paper without reference to
some who were faithful over the
"few things" committed to their
care. First I would mention Capt.
James Simmons, who although
blind and feeble from age, spent
many of the late years of his life
r.mwe!u,--i.T.nwi.' '
If-
M
Relief from pain 1 hat mijjht otherwise
cause you hours of aonv.
Tired out muscles eased up and made
ready for another day's work.
Lameness in the back and shoulders
promptly cured and still' joints limbered
up.
Burns, Scalds, Cuts and Mashes ren
dered painless and quickly healed.
Rheumatism, Lumbago and Sciatica
robbed of their anguish and banished
forever.
Ulcers, Old Sores and Open Wounds
healed promptly and permanently.
Prices 25c, 50c, $ 1 .00
among us and with the assistance
of a very few faithful ones kept
the w atch fires burning on the al
tar of our church. When the lit
tle building was old and worn,
with no lights except a few can
dles or small lamps, no bell, no
organ, and a preacher only once a
month, he would gather with a
small remnant and hold prayer
meeting services. At this time
Mr. Albert Mabry was Superin
tendent of the Sunday school and
served until Capt. T. E. Ander
son was appointed. Captain An
derson served faithfully for twenty
years and it was with deep regret
that his resignation was accepted.
CAPTAIN JAMES SIMMONS.
While there were many faithful
women who labored and struggled
through all these years there were
none more constant and true than
Mrs. Sallie E. Long and her be
loved niece, Miss Mollie Alston.
These were indeed "the salt of the
earth," which had not lost its
savor but their lives were such that
a hallowed influence lingers still
with those who were fortunate en
ough to come within its circle. I
might add others to this band of
noble women and men but time
will not admit, so close this paper
with the prayer that we who yet
remain may be as faithful to our
day and generation as those whose
lives it has been our privilege to
review.
HALIFAX LETTER.
Halifax. N. C, Feb. I.
Miss Nannie Gary has returned
from a visit to friends in Peters
burg. Miss Nell Nelson has been spend
ing some days at Roanoke Rapids
with friends.
Mrs. N. L. Stedman and Miss
Elizabeth returned Tuesday from
Asheboro, where they have been !
spending several weeks.
Mr. V.. C. Gregory, of Salisbury,
came Monday to be present at the
marriage of his sister, Miss Julia,
to Mr. June Tillery.
Mrs. J. C. Butts was called to
Rosemary Sunday on account of
the illness of her mother, Mrs.
Grizzard.
Mr. N. L. Stedman went to
Richmond last week to see Dr.
Register and reports his condition
improved.
Mr. J. F. Coppedge, of Scotland
Neck, is spending this week here
with relatives.
Mrs. J. H. Bachelor, (formerly
Miss Sallie Cullom,)spent Monday
with Mrs. W. F. Coppedge.
Mrs. George Sasser has return
ed to her home in Raleigh, after
spending some time with her fath
er, Col. Frank Faison.
Mrs. C. A. Turner, (formerly
Miss Lena Brinkley.) is here to
spend ten days with Mrs. C. H.
Hale.
Miss Vera Lashure, who has
been visiting Misses Leonora and
Essie Howerton for some weeks,
returned to her home in Fittsburg,
Mass,, Monday.
Mrs. E. J. brown left last week
for Elise, Moore county, to
visit her brother, Rev. George T.
Simmons, and will be gone per
haps two or three months.
W. F. C.
CHILDREN TEETHINQ
Mk. Vini.oiv' Soiitiiinu RrRcrliu
been uacd fur over SO yer lijr millions
of mothers for tlieir children while teeth
in?, with perfect aueecM. It soothes
tlie child, softens the gum, allays til
pain; cures wind rolic, and ia the best
remedy for Diarrhiea. Sold by druggists
in every part of the world. He sure and
axle for "Mrs. Winalow's Soothing Syr
up," and take no other kind. Twenty,
five cent a bottle.
It's a poor love letter that can't
create a sensation when read in
court.
CHIIdron Cry
FOR FLETCHER'S
CASTORIA
THINK OF
exicara Mustang' Liniment
AND WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU.
ISii
per bottle. For sale by all Dnicgists. LYON MFG. CO. 41 to 45 So. 5th
In order to reduce
Besides a large lot of remnants in Dry Goods and
Notions. Call and we will convince you that we are
offering good bargains to cash customers.
N, 8TAINBACK,
BOTTOM STORE.
Foley's
DRIND
Ia Pleaaant and Effective
CURES
Constipation, Stomach and
Liver Trouble.
by stimulating these organs and
restoring their natural action.
Is best for women and chil
dren as ORINO does not gripe
or nauseate.
E. Clark
READ ABOUT CROCERIES?
This is not enough. No matter who!
we sav, to lull v appreciate the fact thai
we keep a high trrile of HldM KUIKS.
you mii!t trade here. Itetter leave your
next order with us that we may add you
toour ever irrnwiuir list of steady cuio
merM. OurJ. K. M. Flour the U'M mi
market, tioods delivered promptly.
W. T. PARKER.
Weldon, N. C
OK J
FALL WISTi:K
MILLINERY.
FAteTY GOODS and NOVELTIES.
UuUerick'a Patterns.
R. & Q. Corsets,.
I Misses at 7oc. Ladies 7oc. to $1.
IsV Prices will lie made to suit the
times. Hats and Itouueta made and
trimmed to order.
ALL MAIL OKIiKKS PKOMPTLY
HLLEI.
MRS. P. A. LEWIS,
. Weldon, S. C.
iOLtYSKlDNEYPilLS
U.saast wans i
lit
Grand Display
The first application of Mexican Mus
tang Liniment subdues the pain but it
continues its work until every quivering
nerve is soothed and quieted.
The great penetrating power of this
famoi's remedy enables it to do this
quickly and positively.
In all cases of Sprains, Bruises or Lame
ness, Mexican Mustang Liniment
should be rubbed in persistently.
The antiseptic qualitiea of this old relia
ble household remedy make it safe and
sure
fill ! ii
stock I will close out FOR CASH
0
50 SUITS OF
CLOTHES FOR
MEN, YOUTHS
and CHILDREN
250 Pair Shoes I
100 Hats, Caps.
g J. L. PEAL & CO ,
Roanoke Rapids, N. C. U
v Fv-z SI
U We carry a splendid line of nice, fresh trro. 88
ft ceries and confectioneries to meet the de- t
& mands of the most exacting trade. All orders $
iiil ..41
r 1 1 i i
g tareiuny anu promptly niiea. .,.13(,Iy &
kmmmmmnmtmmmmmm
W. IKUM fKUUr
GUARANTEED TO SATISFY PURCHASERS. A
stkuiu nuvaiuiiULvnoiuiijaruini wvnus,
K.U.Y jrtt, ,xuiSLk camnri'Y t.iutTtrs.
.Itrliii f
TMAJt MARf
Paid In Capital Stock S30.000.00.
Wi rrrw thi- ttrt HUj.ST fMiutV si an
ALL KINDS
of good haled, fancy aud plain
cake are relished hy all the peo
ple, all the time.
All Kinds Cakes-Pound,
Jelly Layer and Fruit,
is supplied from this bakery.
Its daily ready on sale. Ilefrood
and for Stomach's sake itel our
cake. - : .
M. S. MOUNTCASTLE,
Weldon, N. C.
QEORQE C. UREEN.
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
(National Bank Ituildinf)
Weldoa, N. C.
tl-ll-d.-u.H.iurrt r b nmon jAiMntbimtt.t rZm .aih"
ft Hsthcra sui.tcomhlard HH H- hub uur pi Mts must plfur w tv-nt! vow Mtwtsrr bark.
We sow three tons of Cabbage Seed per seasot (&jraJSSSSS.
..... . r;wl" ' f pUnU .r llw kot nrlrlira. nniUIiii, uluM, laf.m.
.5 i ' . i " ' "Hh" "r t'.t". m rMr. I'lwU li, l.,u ul wi .1 SI at: I w k
i'WSI ao, iUh.Mn.1; ,.. lira t SI O.T thouiud. lu.ooo and ow SUN r tUotuan. L a. k.
low I. land. OafWtal...alr,a,oi,la.ulaafTlow. ' woaaaao. t a. a,
Wm. C. Geraty Co.. Box 310 Yoanaa Island. S. C
St, BROOKLYN, N.Y.
it
2Hf
LAddAUe. plants
i'tf-ei.,. '
K.I. V..,.,,
CO1 R.CI
Established 41 Years.
i ti i tiia . . .L .
DUTCBCOILARPINS
As dainty in design and finish
as tlie collars with which they
are worn. Call and see thenv
Also a complete line of WATCHES,
DIAMOND, JKWEI.HY, ( I T til AH,
KOt'NT.UX PENS, KI.NEM ATlONr kY
Edison's Phonographs and Itecouls.
CM ine Watch, Clock and Jeweh y Ite
airuiK and engraving done promptly.
Orders or repairs by mail given piompt
attention.
W. Q-. LYy CH,
Lock Box 175,
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N, C.
sep ,) ly
FOIIYS OMNOIaXaTIYE
fee Sihwii tasMSia anSifasjajiiiaiisa